New Cinematographers [Paperback]

Alex Ballinger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 12, 2004

A cinematographer's skill can make or break a film's overall look, and yet cinematographers are legendarily reticent to discuss their craft.New Cinematographers meets this challenge, featuring the the work of six major, young, contemporary cinematographers whose vision defines the way films look today. Extended studies of each cinemotagrapher's work -- fully illustrated with stills, lighting charts and storyboards -- help show the how each translates their aesthetic vision into the actual filmed work. The book includes a detailed resource section, an annotated bibliography and detailed technical glossary.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alex Ballinger is an expert on film and the series editor for two forthcoming series of books on film: "On Directors" and "Inside Film."

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harper Design; annotated edition edition (October 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856693341
• ISBN-13: 978-1856693349
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #463,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a voyage through the gaffers glass, June 7, 2005

By 

Brian L. Schilling "Schilling" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Cinematographers (Paperback)

New Cinematographers is a quick, thorough, and interesting read. The information is presented in a simple way that is neither too flowery nor too sparse. Divided into 6 sections, one for each cinematographer, then sub-divided for each film that is discussed. The language is not excessively technical, so a beginner should be able to understand. It is not bland for the seasoned professional though, since a lot of the techniques presented are very non-conventional. Some of the films covered are quite different than what you will find in your typical issue of American Cinematographer, whose films seem to have a limitless budget. Especially in the early part of their careers, these cinematographers, found innovation, imagination, and hard work would go a lot further toward the overrall success of the film than just a budget can allow. Highly recommended for beginner, professional, or enthusiast.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars pure gold, January 31, 2007

By 

Brian Lange (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Cinematographers (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for cinematographers, both professional and aspiring.

Lance Acord, Jean-Yves Escoffer, Darius Khondji, John Mathieson, Seamus McGarvey, and Harris Savides all go through a step by step process of what they did to execute certain scenes. Lighting charts, set design blueprints, call sheets, storyboards, on set photography, film stills... it's all in this book. Very detailed and descriptive. In depth writing about film stocks, developing processes, filters, lights, colors... everything you could possibly imagine!

Hands down a GREAT resource, as they dissect scenes in movies they actually shot. So you can follow along while watching films such as Buffalo '66, Being John Malcovich, Lost in Translation, Gummo, City of Lost Children, Seven, The Beach, Gladiator, The Hours, and plenty more.

Definite recommendation.

4.0 out of 5 stars New trends in cinematography, August 9, 2008

By 

Rockstone (Atlanta, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Cinematographers (Paperback)

This book provides detailed technical discussions of the methods of cinematography in a number of contemporary films by different contemporary cinematographers. It is a technical discussion of shooting techniques, lab processes, etc. and now recommended for the average reader or even the reader interested in films but not the technical details. There are frequent illustrations, though I dont believe that they are all taken from the actual film footage.

There is an emphasis on European films and cinematographers, but some American films are covered as well.

I found the book interesting but it has a narrow appeal: you must want to know about cinematography techniques but accept that you are not getting all the details of how to do the techniques. (For example, there are several areas where special lab procedures are mentioned, but not specifically what was done, for this you would presumably have to contact the lab directly.

Also with the emergence of several types of HD videography, it is too bad that some discussions of d.p.s using new electronic methods was not included.